Monday, November 9, 2009

Tim Smyth (NZL) and Mark Turner (NZL), the managers at Core Builders who completed the wing project, handed over the 'keys' to their baby this morning in front of an assembly of the full team on site in San Diego.

"20 weeks and about 20,000 hours later, Core Builders is very pleased to hand over this wing sail to the sailing team," Smyth said. "This has been a unique and challenging project. That we've succeeded in delivering this wing on time is entirely due to the efforts of the Core Builders team and their incredible work ethic."

Tim and Mark then called on the afterguard on the BOR 90 to step forward: "We have some extra kit for you, in anticipation that you're going to be going so fast… It's going to be cold out there, so..."

As he modelled his new jacket, Spithill thanked the build and shore teams: "At the end of the day, without you guys, we couldn't do what we do out on the water, so on behalf of the sailing team, thanks very much.

"We're going into an area no one's ever gone before... When you look at this thing, the heart certainly starts beating a bit faster. It's going to be exciting."